In 2012, the world’s total reserves of mercury reached 93,500 tonnes of mercury content. In the same year, Mexico had the largest share (around 29%) of the world’s total mercury reserves. Other countries possessing substantial reserves include China, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, Russia and Slovenia.
Mercury: structure of the world reserves, 2012
In 2012, the global mercury mine production decreased by nearly 9.2% in comparison with 2011 and was estimated at just over 1,865 tonnes of mercury content. In the same year, China was the leading mercury producer in the world, accounting for a share of over 72% in the world mercury production volume. It was followed by Kyrgyzstan, Chile, Russia and Peru. However, the global mercury production estimates are considered to have a very high degree of uncertainty as most companies and countries may not report accurate production data due to certain health and environmental concerns associated with the use of mercury.
Mercury: structure of the world production, broken down by country, 2012
The world’s annual mercury consumption is estimated to be around 2,000 tonnes. Nearly half of the total consumption volume comes from the use of mercury compounds as a catalyst in the coal-based production of vinyl-chloride monomer in China.
Mercury use worldwide will likely continue to follow a downward trend, except its use in small-scale gold mining and the CFL industry. In case the prices for gold rise, it will result in the increase in the demand for mercury in the small-scale gold mining sector. Companies involved in mercury mining and recycling activities start placing more byproduct mercury into permanent storage rather than selling it, as the global concerns about health hazards on account of growing mercury pollution tend to increase.
The world mercury production is anticipated to gradually decrease in the next 5 years. In 2017, it will likely decline to 1,850 tonnes of mercury content.
More information on the mercury market can be found in the “Mercury: 2014 Market Review and Forecast”.